Mobilong Prison Lockdown

Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick is concerned about recent event’s that saw Mobilong Prison go into lockdown.

“Mobilong Prison was originally built in 1987 with the capacity of 160. Now in 2017 the number of beds has expanded to over 460,” said Mr Pederick.

“The event’s which transpired on Wednesday 15th February were a result of overcapacity, first Mobilong Prison was sent into lock down, before several other prisons followed.

“Minister Malinauskas and the Weatherill Government are failing. For almost 2000 days, the prison system has been running overcapacity, which in turn increases risks.

“It is concerning to think our frontline staff, such as corrections officers, are at increased risk as a result of this overcrowding.

“Running prison facilities overcapacity for such a substantial amount of time is unacceptable and is costing tax payers some $51 million annually.

“The lockdown has been resolved; however, the underlying issue and cause have not been solved.

“I strongly urge the Weatherill Labor Government and Minister Malinauskas to address the overcrowding facing our prisons and identify an appropriate solution, to ensure the safety of all those involved” said Mr Pederick.